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Skincare Ingredient

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Niacinamide

In Skincare: Is Niacinamide Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Generally well tolerated and non comedogenic; occasional mild irritation or flushing especially at higher % or if it converts to niacin e.g. in low pH or heat conditions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that niacinamide is safe for use in cosmetics at any concentration.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can visibly minimize the appearance of pores.

  • 02

    Niacinamide helps to brighten skin and even out an uneven complexion.

  • 03

    As a water-soluble vitamin, niacinamide supports the skin’s natural barrier function.

Key Benefits

What Niacinamide does for your skin

3 benefits
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, supports skin health by visibly minimizing pore size and improving uneven skin tone. This ingredient strengthens the skin barrier, boosts ceramide production to enhance moisture retention, and provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage like UV light and pollutants. Research indicates niacinamide may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, and it is considered safe and effective in concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 20%.
Classifications
Antioxidant
Humectant

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Niacinamide is also known as nicotinamide, and niacin is another name for nicotinic acid. These ingredients are all forms of vitamin B3. Niacin is an essential nutrient needed for normal metabolism, with a U.S. Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of 20 mg. Niacinamide may be used to help manage high cholesterol levels. It is naturally found in foods like yeast, meat, eggs, milk, green vegetables, and cereal grains.

Common Uses

Formulation in Niacinamide

In hair care products, niacinamide and niacin can improve the appearance of hair by increasing body, suppleness, or shine, and by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged through physical treatments or chemical processes. In skincare, niacinamide and niacin can help improve the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.

Role of Niacinamide

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SMOOTHING

Surface Refiner

Creates even, refined texture on skin or hair

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Smoothing ingredients improve surface uniformity by filling irregularities, coating surfaces, or temporarily contracting tissues. Include silicones that fill microscopic surface gaps, optical diffusers that scatter light to minimize imperfections, and film-formers creating even coating. On hair, smoothing agents flatten cuticle scales reducing roughness. Mechanism involves physical filling of surface irregularities and light diffusion. Results in silky-smooth tactile sensation and improved visual appearance.

Products

containing Niacinamide

13235 formulations
Atmosphere Airy Light UV Emulsion SPF 30 PA+++
Atmosphere Airy Light UV Emulsion SPF 30 PA+++
Sk-II · sunscreen
Sun Mate Airy Sun Milk SPF 50+ / PA++++
Sun Mate Airy Sun Milk SPF 50+ / PA++++
Hera · sunscreen
Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
Jung Saem Mool · makeup
Renewing SA Cleanser
Renewing SA Cleanser
CeraVe · cleanser
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary · serums-treatment
Skin Veil Luminizing Base with SPF50
Skin Veil Luminizing Base with SPF50
Laneige · makeup
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay · cleanser
Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics
Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics
Beauty of Joseon · sunscreen
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe · cleanser
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay · cleanser
See all products with Niacinamide

References

Scientific sources

[1]

International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173

[2]

Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569

[3]

Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22

[4]

Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication

[5]

Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116

[6]

International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162

[7]

Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152

[8]

Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412

[9]

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315

[10]

International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201

[11]

Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319

[12]

International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31

[13]

Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865

[14]

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238

[15]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Niacinamide — common questions

What is Niacinamide in skincare?

Niacinamide and niacin are forms of vitamin B3. They are commonly found in cosmetic products such as bath products, shampoos, hair tonics, skin moisturizers, and cleansing formulations.

What does Niacinamide do? / Functions of Niacinamide?

Common functions: SMOOTHING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Niacinamide? / Is Niacinamide comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Niacinamide has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Niacinamide is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Niacinamide safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Niacinamide has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally well tolerated and non comedogenic; occasional mild irritation or flushing especially at higher % or if it converts to niacin e.g. in low pH or heat conditions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Revie

Is Niacinamide good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Niacinamide has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Niacinamide in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally well tolerated and non comedogenic; occasional mild irritation or flushing especially at higher % or if it converts to niacin e.g. in low pH or heat conditions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that niacinamide is safe for use in cosmetics at any concentration.

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